Mite Development League

During practice time, we are trying to keep the kids always moving, working on the fundamental skills while playing small area games. Minimize the “standing around” time and increase each of the players skating time and touches of the puck. Practices will continue to be managed this way while we begin incorporating cross ice games, primarily on the weekends. Teams will be established randomly for these games and managed by the coaches.

(4) teams will be chosen; Blue, Black, Green and White. Each team will have a head coach and assistant coach. The Blue team will be made up of all the 2^nd year mites. (Please read the details below) The remaining three teams will be made up of the remaining 1^st year players. Each team will have up to 10 players on each team which allows for optimal ice time for the cross ice games. All of the games in November will be between other house teams.

Competitive cross ice games will begin against other associations in December for all house teams. These games will include goalies and will also have referees managing the games. The schedule for these games will be released closer to December and will be played on weekends. Practices will remain the same with all mite house teams practicing together. The cross ice games will continue through to March ending in an OYHA Mite Cross Ice Tournament.

The Blue team that is created will be made up entirely of all the 2^nd year mites. This team will begin playing full ice games beginning in December. The intention of this team is to allow the 2^nd year mite players that experienced a full season of full ice games and tournaments last year, to continue with that experience for the upcoming season. This team will continue to practice with the other mite teams for the remainder of the year.

Each house team will have a head coach and an assistant coach, each with certification by USA Hockey of Level 1 coaching. These coaches will be present for all practices and manage the cross ice games. Team meetings will be conducted for each house team in late November by the coaches.

Goalies will be present in all cross ice games played against other associations. Some of the in-house games may or may not have goalies depending on what skills we are coaching and number of players in attendance. Every player will have the opportunity to play goalie for a practice and a game if they would like. It is not mandatory to try the goalie position but it is encouraged. Each team coach will manage the rotation of who is playing goalie.

Jerseys for each of the house teams will be given out in November. Players should wear these jerseys for every game. During practices, players can wear their jersey of choice unless the coach states otherwise. More details on jerseys will be provided as the time nears.

Mouth Guards - At the mite level, mouth guards are not required but encouraged. Mouth guards at this age do provide protection but it is also allows the players to get used to skating with them as they get older.
Sticks – Mite players should have a properly sized stick with the correct curved blade. Each player has chosen which side they pass & shoot the puck with and a curved blade provides greater control. Sticks should be cut off at the height of the players nose when standing in shoes, or their chin when they are standing in skates.